Santa Fe: Walter Henderson a story of perseverance...

Might this be the future for Santa Fe's Walter Henderson? Photo by John Clanton

Back here in Oklahoma after a spending a few days in Dallas. Doesn’t sound like I missed much as the weather halted a lot of the must-see events.

Hope you had a chance to check out my story on Edmond Santa Fe track star Walter Henderson in Friday’s paper, one of the more gratifying stories I’ve written.

Henderson’s story is someone who is truly taking advantage of a second chance in life and making the most of it. But what makes it more incredible is how he acknowledges it and appreciates it every day what the Deas family has done for him.

Believe it or not, in all my ramblings in Friday’s piece, there were some things left out.

- Football was his life, and he always thought it would be. But coach Carl Hawkins was the first coach Henderson had ever seen with such passion. “He wasn’t there because he was assigned to be or they needed someone there. He LOVES track.”

- He still can’t get over the jolt of being announced at the state tournament. “I mean these are the eight best in the state, and I’m one of them. Two months ago I didn’t know what I was doing.”

- The biggest adjustment (besides form and attitude): Diet. Henderson didn’t exactly eat unhealthy, but he does have a sweet tooth. “I love candy, so that was tough.”

- Moving in with the Deas family has been great for Henderson but also for the Henderson family. Walter and Blake Deas get along great and Walter is acting like a real big brother to Ryan. “He’s brought the dedication out in Blake and Ryan, he just loves his bigger brother.” – Shelly Deas

- And then finally, just want to reiterate what track means to Henderson. He’s come a long way, and he just had a phenomenal week on the track.